Cross-sectorial Use of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chronic Degenerative Shoulder Conditions

This research project aims to test if systematic (extensive) use of patient-reported outcomes across treatment boundaries can 1. improve patients' and health professionals' understanding of individual patients' conditions and health changes, 2. improve indications for treatment, 3. strengthen patient empowerment, and 4. reduce patients' utilization of health services. The study will be performed in the particular context of patients with chronic degenerative conditions of the shoulder. These patients are characterized by contact with numerous health professionals from different health sectors, such as general practitioner, physiotherapists and surgical referral centres, which challenges coherence and communication for the individual treatment decisions. The research project will be performed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a 1-year inclusion period and two years of follow-up.